I left my office at 4 p.m. on a Friday, stressed from a busy work week. It had been a while since my last facial, and my skin was uncharacteristically breaking out. I was really looking forward to my visit to LANY Organics.
The space & the facialist
Laurie met me at the door of her spa, took my coat, and invited me to remove my shoes. She’s impressively transformed a small studio into a boutique experience, complete with moody lighting, music at the perfect volume, and an abundance of crystals. I felt an immediate sense of calm, and this only grew as I sat down to chat with Laurie about my skincare history and goals.
Laurie, from a small Canadian fishing village and a former teacher, has been an esthetician since 2008 and opened her own space in 2021. During the pandemic, she offered virtual facials, a testament to her commitment to clients. Laurie uses only organic products in her spa (mainly from Dr. Alkaitis) with ingredients that provide holistic benefits. Her warm, kind energy feels like medicine on its own.
The treatment
For 75 minutes, my skin was gently cleansed, masked, exfoliated, extracted, and moisturized. Every facial is customized to your skin’s needs, and mine consisted of an enzyme mask, rose cooling gel, and manuka honey—known for its powerful acne-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties. Laurie incorporates gua sha into her treatments to help with lymphatic drainage, and I felt the tension melting away from my neck and shoulders. She also offers LED light therapy for those who would like to improve skin firmness or reduce fine lines.
By the end of the session, my skin looked glowy and lifted. I also felt more relaxed than I had in weeks. I don’t often fall asleep during massages or skincare treatments, but Laurie created such a welcoming and comfortable environment that I couldn’t help but drift off while she worked her magic.
Laurie gave me a small goody bag of the products she used to take home, which was a sweet touch. We ended the treatment by picking out an affirmation, and I re-entered Union Square in brighter spirits than when I arrived.
Why you should go
My experience at LANY Organics reminded me that beauty treatments aren’t just about aesthetics. Taking care of your body first starts with taking care of your mind, and Laurie’s spa provided a much-needed mental reset.
LANY Organics is located at 32 Union Square East, New York. You can book an appointment at https://www.lanyorganics.com/contact.
